Wahoo Preview: Virginia welcomes Maryland to Scott Stadium

By Jerry Ratcliffe

It has been a long time since Scott Stadium saw a sellout crowd, but that’s what Tony Elliott is hoping for tonight when his 2-0 Cavaliers host 1-1 Maryland (8 o’clock, ACC Network).

“Why not?” Elliott asked when the discussion turned toward anticipated attendance earlier this week. “This is the University of Virginia. We take pride in everything that we do. So man, let’s pack the stadium. We get to showcase who we are, what we’re about on a national stage for the entire country to see.”

Virginia is hoping to improve its record to 3-0 for only the fourth time this century. The last Cavaliers team to post that kind of start was Bronco Mendenhall’s 2019 team, which won the ACC’s Coastal Division and played in the Orange Bowl.

Certainly a large turnout could help UVA’s cause. Maryland was a slight favorite by the oddsmakers as of late Friday night.

“This is bigtime,” Elliott said. “This is where we all wanted to be. Now, we have to all do our part. We have to prepare well to come out and play well, but we’re going to need the fans. They’re supporting us doing their part creating an unbelievable environment, and man, I’m excited about the opportunity that we all have, fans, players, administration, university.”

Virginia is calling for a “Blue Out,” requesting fans show up in navy blue gear to match the Cavaliers all-blue uniforms. Maryland is expected to dress in all-white.

UVA’s 10-largest crowds, all sellouts of 61,000 or more, all came during Coach Al Groh’s era, the sellouts coming between 2003 and 2008.

“I’m trying to get our guys to understand (how this rivalry between UVA and Maryland was for decades until the Terps left the ACC for the Big 10), because it’s been a while since the rivalry was full-blown,” Elliott said. “I was reminded this week by a former player coming off the practice field of just how fierce this rivalry is to all of the Virginia faithful.

“We have a great opportunity to help this football team with the energy and passion because that’s what it’s all about. No better way than to be playing in front of your home crowd with a packed stadium.”

UVA-Maryland links:

Kam Robinson returns to practice, moving gingerly

Where is Chris Tyree? Virginia fans are asking

The Jerry & Jerry Show with Alvin Pearman

UVA’s Fields high in national rankings, big problem for defenses

UVA-Wake Forest recap, a first look at the Terps, plus more

A closer look at Saturday’s Virginia-Maryland matchup

Can Colandrea, UVA bounce back against Terps?

UVA Season Stats

Maryland Offense Season Stats

ACC Week 3 Scoreboard